Ten days left to save the UK, warn pro-union campaigners as Scotland prepares to vote on independence

It came a day after the Daily Echo threw its weight behind the Better Together campaign in the battle to decide the Scottish Independence referendum.

• 8 things that would change in Scotland votes for independence
• The cost if Scotland leaves the UK
• United we stand, divided we fall
• Hampshire says we want to stick together
• Shock poll puts Yes campaign in front
• Better Together: Daily Echo backs No Campaign

This newspaper has come out and declared its support for the campaign to keep Scotland part of the UK even though no one here in Hampshire has the right to vote on September 18.

Yet we have decided to make a stand because we believe the break-up of the Union would have huge implications for every man, woman and child in our region.

Yesterday a YouGov opinion poll found 51 per cent of Scottish people supported independence, compared to 49 per cent who wanted to remain in the UK.

The results are the latest evidence of a dramatic surge for the Yes Scotland campaign, which has seen the gap between the sides – once regularly in double figures – vanish in a matter of months.

The YouGov poll showed the Yes vote increasing by four points while No dropped by the same number.

The headline figures exclude those who would not vote or are undecided. With those groups included independence was backed by 47 per cent and staying in the UK 45 per cent.

What people in Hampshire say about the referendum

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the poll as “exceptionally positive” but added that the Yes campaign “still has a lot of work to do to win”.

Alistair Darling, leader of the pro-union Better Together campaign, said the poll “must now serve as a wake-up call to anyone who thought the referendum result was a foregone conclusion”.

The findings prompted an announcement that plans to devolve more powers to Scotland inside the UK will be unveiled within days.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said the final touches were being put to proposals for “much greater” financial autonomy and tax-raising abilities.

An exclusive survey by the Daily Echo of 500 people in Hampshire has found that nearly seven in ten (69.8 per cent) want Scotland to remain part of the UK.

In addition 45.8 per cent think they should have a vote in the referendum.

Our reporters spoke to people in Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh, Fareham and the New Forest.

The Daily Echo is calling on those who love the Union and wish our peoples to remain together to show their support by flying that most potent symbol of our family of nations – the Union flag.

Saturday’s edition of the paper carried a Union flag poster for people to display in their homes calling for the kingdom to remain united.

Editor-in-Chief Ian Murray said: “By flying the flag between now and September 18 from homes, offices, schools, colleges and factories, we can send a message from ordinary Hampshire people to those living north of the border that they are wanted.”

The Daily Echo’s stance has been backed by the leaders of Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council, Southampton Itchen MP John Denham and Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

Fly the flag for the Union

YOU can show your support for the Better Together campaign and fly the flag for the Union – by flying the flag for the Union.

Fly the Union Flag at your home, workplace or school, from your car or even your bike to send a message to the Scots that we want them to stay.

Let us know what you are doing – why you care about the Union – send us your photos and get onto social media to send your messages of support north of the border.

Email us at newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk.